Why You Should Take an Upper-Level History Course

With access to a multitude of STEM labs, nursing clinicals, business networking events and interdisciplinary research opportunities as just a few of the possibilities granted with admission, Loyola students receive one of the finest educations in the Midwest. 

I feel confident all of us students came to Loyola for more than an appealing program or lakefront views. Surely, many of us had the option to attend a less-expensive state school or at least, didn’t initially imagine ourselves at a Jesuit Catholic University when thinking about where to pursue higher education. 

Whether conscious or not, I believe the Jesuit idea of “cura personalis,” or care for the whole person, appeals to many students at Loyola, informing their decision to attend a university that does more than merely provide them with credentials for a job. Rather, they wanted to be transformed over the course of four years to become morally upright, hard-working, worldly adults. 

Whether you’re interested in obtaining a better perspective on complex issues or are just at a loss about what electives to take, I’m urging you to take a history course. 

Though many first-years are required to take HIST 101 — The History of Western Ideas and Institutions to the Seventeenth Century — this course is broad, and the subject matter doesn’t appeal to everyone. However, the beauty of the history department is almost none of its classes require prerequisites after HIST 101. Additionally, there are classes for every niche or general interest out there. 

If you like urban history, consider taking a class on the history of Chicago or the history of London. Can’t stop thinking about the Roman Empire? Well, there’s a class on barbarians and the fall of Rome that could be interesting. If you’re concerned about climate change, would you be surprised to learn humans have been adapting to extreme weather for millennia? (I learned that in a history class).

No matter the subject or area of interest, there’s bound to be a professor on Loyola’s faculty who has dedicated their life to its research. Loyola’s history faculty are second to none. Being a professor not only involves conducting research but also — obviously — having the ability to teach. 

In my experience at Loyola, the history professors are more eager and happy to teach students of all skill-levels than faculty in any other department. They’re experts in interweaving golden nuggets of knowledge, funny anecdotes and cohesive breakdowns of complex issues day after day.

The best part about history classes at Loyola though is they don’t waste your time. With compelling lectures, interesting discussions and minimal busy work, the Department of History has epitomized how Loyola can better inform you as an individual.

The history discipline challenges students in seeking out accurate facts and information. In a world of AI generated articles, misinformation runs rampant online and in conversation. Studying history allows students to not only understand the root cause of many core issues that are so predominant in today’s news coverage, but also cultivates critical thinking skills and the development of real opinions.  

Additionally, many of the soft-skills employers look for after graduation — such as research, nuanced thought, analytical writing and a general knowledge of world events and the human psyche — are cultivated in history classes. The common image of a history class is a professor droning on about a specifically mundane subject. But, Loyola’s classes challenge this stereotype by painting a vivid image of how history itself has been constructed. 

History doesn’t passively occur, but develops over time as imperfect human beings are faced with difficult decisions. So, next time you find yourself at a networking event — cocktail in hand and ready to shmooze — try to also imagine yourself as confident in your perspectives, knowing that history has helped to form and challenge them. 

Loyola history classes urge students to open their minds to new trains of thought and are accessible to anyone with even the slightest interest in a topic. I highly recommend taking a history class — or two, or three — during your time at Loyola. Or, at the very least, make your way to the 5th floor of Crown Center to hear wonderful historical perspectives from our professors while taking in Lake Michigan’s magnificent views.